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Caption

Virus intelligence, computer artwork. Viruses contain a core of genetic material, either DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA (ribonucleic acid) surrounded by a protein coat, or capsid, and sometimes an outer glycoprotein envelope. The spikes on the surface are highly specific, and used for recognising and binding to a particular host cell. Once inside, viruses hijack the cell's internal machinery to replicate themselves, before releasing themselves to infect further cells.